Angela Gorman's Page

Latest Activity

"Have had a long break from Think Atheist...sorry folks, not intentional and still an ardent atheist. Saw some recent activity which has brought me back! Been to Africa 3 times this year, Ghana, Sierra Leone and South Africa...nothing I have seen…"

"Hi Angela, A LOT of Catholics here in the U.S. have 'voted with their feet'. The church ( & parochial school ) I attended as a child is the only one of four Catholic churches within a few miles of each other in Pittsburgh that remains…"

"The following quotes are from the UK National Secular Society's weekly E bulletin.
"The only way — and I mean the only way — that the Catholic Church is going to change its stance on [the child abuse] issue, or indeed on any…"

"Watched a dvd last week during which a comic atheist talked about Richard Dawkins. He said "Richard Dawkins almost made me believe in god!" Gasps from the audience, to which the comedien said "It is hard to believe that…"

"Hi everyone.. I know I have already mentioned that I am from Cardiff but can we have a UK get together some time in the future? Perhaps in the geographical centre of the UK... I'll start with some suggestions.. Birmingham... any…"

"Sorry everyone, but sadly, I don't feel able to contribute any further to this discussion, even though I have travelled extensively in Africa and seen first hand what damage religion is doing. "They're already in a bad state when…"

"But why do these events mostly occur and have the most devastating impact in the poorest yet most religious countries..e.g. the Pakistan earthquake and floods, the Asian Tsunami and earthquake, famine and pestilence in SubSaharan Africa?…"

"Reo.. Respectfully, I'm afraid that nothing you have said, has had any impact on my beliefs. It just increases my belief that religion is a waste of precious time, when so much good could be done. My daughter wrote something…"

"Yes luvtheheaven.. I agree totally. Think my post was written in haste, which is unlike me! I withdraw my previous statement and concur 100% with everything you have mentioned and more. Just off to raise money now to save more lives that…"

"Hi everyone..interesting conversation but we seem to be drifting from the point. I am steadfast in my belief that religion has done little or nothing for Africa. The bible thumpers drive around in their 4x4s, with the faith based names of their…"

"Reo.. sorry but you have unwittingly supported my comments.. this belief that heaven is their reward, is their undoing!
If there was something on the other side of a crocodile infested river, which has been my hearts desire all my life,…"

"Returned in March from my 17th visit to 8 countries in Africa in just over 5yrs, so I have a good idea of how religion influences everything and everyone. The concept of not believing in God is unimaginable. I am asked "Where do you…"

"I told this story early on when I joined this group but I will tell it again. I was brought up as a strict roman catholic, lived across the road from the church, parents and extended family very involved, two cousins who were…"

"I think I need to state what I understand to be the humanist philosophy, that is "What you see is all there is" and "We do not need to have a belief in a divine being to lead what would be traditionally regarded as a…"

Profile Information

Your Religious Status

Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic

About Me:

Senior NICU Nurse, Chair of charity trying to reduce numbers of women dying in pregnancy & childbirth in SubSaharan Africa www.lifeforafricanmothers.org Former Roman Catholic, rebelled in 1986 linked with nursing sick newborn infants. Also agreed with rebellious (only against the church) teenage children. Now have total and absolute abhorrance of RC Church.

Age

59-64

Why are you here?

Anger at what is emerging about the Catholic Church, its clergy, its refusal to acknowledge the implications for the victims, its all consuming power borne out of fear, its attitude to contraception, its fear of women and gender equality, its desire for more and more money, its hypocrisy.. need I say more? I could go on and on. My anger brings me to tears

The religion you left

Catholic

Why you left your religion.

Catholicism prevented me living what would be traditionally regarded as a "Christian" life. I am more content and able to get on with my life without the asphyxiating fear which Catholicism holds over every aspect of one's life. I would NEVER, EVER return to it.

Comment Wall (7 comments)

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Hi Angela, A LOT of Catholics here in the U.S. have 'voted with their feet'. The church ( & parochial school ) I attended as a child is the only one of four Catholic churches within a few miles of each other in Pittsburgh that remains open. They call it consolidation, but that's just another word for empty pew syndrome. I have been a happy Atheist for MANY decades, & will soon depart as one.

hi angela,i was just reading this piece in the paper about what some vicar or bishop said about atheists in wales and someone then had rebutted what he said from a group called the cardiff humanists.have you heard of this group or are you already a member.let me know if you are,as they meet up once a month in cardiff somewhere,I might go to the next meeting,cheers justin

Hello Angela, it was nice reading your comments on the religion in Africa blog. In my 20s I did some volunteering abroad. I must confess the number one reason I have not since volunteered is religion. I've found that most volunteer/aid organisations require that their members do not discuss religion, and since I've always seen it as the principal causal agent for the need for aid in the first place. I could no longer participate... How could we possibly, logically, chose to help people get a better life and better health if we refuse to broach the number one problem! Anyway, I commend you on your years of efforts. I have been only once, to S. Africa, where I spent 6 months. The objective was both educational (I got my captain's licence and diving certificates in Durban) and cultural exploration. I found my time in S.Africa quite memorable.

Angela, it sounds like you do some good work. I bet that you have some important stories to tell about the mistreatment of women and death due to the Catholic Church teachings in Africa, no? We would love to hear those stories when you feel the need to let them go. Welcome to TA!